Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday's budget provides for increases of 3.5% in Government spending next year. My Department Vote will reach €1.8 billion next year, which represents a 4.1% increase on 2016. With competing priorities such as housing, health and child care, this increase is a good outcome and shows a continued commitment to transport investment, in particular as a key support to economic growth.

The main highlights in my Department's Vote are a €90 million, or 7%, increase to €1.46 billion in the land transport budget. Our baseline capital funding will now exceed €1 billion. Within that, the public transport subvention will increase by 12%, or €31 million. The regional and local roads programme will increase by 10% to €275 million in capital funding. Some €344 million will be allocated for public transport investment, which, among other things, will ensure completion of Luas cross-city, the most significant transport project in recent times, on time and on budget.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I must look to the future and ensure we are prepared for the increased demands associated with economic growth. In that context, for example, an airport capacity review has been brought forward from 2018 to commence shortly, with a view to ensuring no barrier at our national airports.

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